Invitation to a Tea Party

Found linen tablecloths, rusted industrial paper, polyester organza, rusted nails, cotton thread, cotton-lint paper
32” x 25'“ x 25”
2019

Whether trauma is inflicted by sexual assault or emotional violence, it is always initiated by an abuse of power. Someone playing a societal role — as father, priest, mother, coach — uses the trust inherent in the role to gain access to their chosen target.

To reveal the durability of damage caused by trauma, but even more, the secondary damage from such profound breach of trust, I invite viewers to a formal tea party. Behind the veil of the civility and intimacy of a tea party lies a bitter truth. The delicate, stained teacups are stand-ins for all the people I know who've been sexually or emotionally assaulted and now live with that trauma.

In 2020, Invitation to a Tea Party was awarded Best in Show at the Annual Juried Student Art Show at Mesa Community College.